Eating Disorders in Men

Signs and Causes of Eating Disorders in Men

Similar to females, the prevalence of eating disorders in males can also originate from social factors. Men are judged by their body size and appearance, most often due to them being smaller or too “skinny.”

This leads to men feeling the need to bulk up by eating large portions of food in short amounts of time. Society has established that the “ideal” body type for men is represented as lean and muscular.

Growing common within the male population, muscle dysmorphia is characterized as the idea that one’s body is not sufficiently lean and muscular. To fulfill the stigma, men fall into unhealthy and abnormal eating patterns resulting in an eating disorder.

• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of vomiting, such as damaged teeth
• Fainting
• Body dissatisfaction
• Depression
• Heightened anxiety
• Frequent trips to the bathroom
• Secretive behavior around eating
• Obsessive behavior relating to body weight

Eating disorders do not discriminate when it comes to gender, age, ethnicity, or even sexual orientation. That’s why knowing the signs or where to get help is imperative to fighting this disease. Our center for eating disorders in Philadelphia offers eating disorder treatment for all genders to ensure that everyone gets the help they need and deserve.

Eating Disorder Treatment for Men

Since eating disorders in males are not often examined as immensely as in women, men are less likely to seek out or receive treatment. As a result, male eating disorders can lead to not only harmful but deadly outcomes at a higher rate than in women.

Eating disorder treatment does not look the same for everyone, which is why Banyan Philadelphia offers individualized eating disorder support tailored to each patient’s symptoms as well as their needs. Utilizing therapy and holistic methods, Banyan’s Eating Disorder Program represents a commitment to ensuring that every patient has the necessary tools for success.